Thames Valley Police, Forensic Investigation Unit

Client
Thames Valley Police
Contractor
Value
£37m
Completion Date
16th July 2026

Thames Valley Police Forensics Unit WD-36

Project Background

The Thames Valley Police Forensic Services Centre is a new purpose-built facility delivered as part of the wider Thames Valley Police Improvement Programme. The centre has been designed to modernise forensic services, increase capacity, and enhance the speed and quality of evidence processing due to increasing demands.

Replacing outdated accommodation, the facility brings previously separate teams together under one roof. It includes digital forensics and crime scene investigation facilities, training areas, and office space to support up to 200 staff.

The Challenge

Although a completely new build, the force-owned site on Howes Lane was adjacent to the Thames Valley Police traffic base, which stayed operational throughout the project’s lifecycle.

It was essential that operational works from the live traffic base were not interrupted or hindered by our construction work, avoiding “blocking blue light access” at all times, a mandatory rule set out by the force ahead of commencement of works.

The Solution

We created a site-specific layby for waiting vehicles, to prevent the blocking of blue light access.

Two banksmen were also stationed at the gate and access road, to manage vehicle movement.

Communication, openness and honesty were big factors to ensure the overcoming of this challenge presented to us and as such we were in constant communication with the traffic base with regards to our evolving site works and their operational changes.

As a result, our construction work had no effect on the traffic base fulfilling their duties.

Thames Valley Police Forensics Unit WD-2

Thames Valley Police Forensics Unit WD-14

The Results

This new Forensic Centre sets a benchmark for blue light facilities. Combining modern infrastructure and high-tech policing equipment, this purpose-built home for forensic services supports the vital works carried out by teams across Thames Valley Police and helps to meet future demands.

The new facility replaces outdated and delipidated spaces and brings together previously dispersed teams housing, modern laboratories, digital technologies and dedicated training facilities.

With it’s thoughtful design, this facility will not only futureproof the force and enhance training capabilities for new employees, but also ensure existing employee wellbeing and collaboration is maximised.

Apprentices

89.8%

SME Spend

£642,184.78

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“Reaching Practical Completion is a proud and exciting moment for everyone involved in this project. It has been fantastic to see the vision for the new Forensic Services Centre become a reality, and I would like to thank all those who have played a part in getting us to this stage. Most importantly, this milestone brings us one step closer to welcoming my team into a facility designed to support them in delivering outstanding forensic services for years to come.”

Kay HannamHead of Forensic Services, Thames Valley Police

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Contractor Performance | Commitments

Legacy

436 Training weeks onsite. Onsite T-Level placements x3 from local colleges and X3 local apprentices hired for the project, over 30 events took place for local young people including employability workshops and careers focused events.

Sustainability

99.42 total waste diverted from landfill

Safe

Scored 10/10 for the H&S procedures on site. Excellent management of supply chain RAMS

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Aftercare

Soft landings approach. Satisfaction score of 10/10 for aftercare service

Thames Valley Police, Forensic Investigation Unit